2014 Kia Soul Named One Of 10 Best Back-To-School Cars By Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com
Second-generation Soul Scores High Marks from Editors for being Practical and Affordable

- The funky Soul is touted for its style, features and personality

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Coming off a record-breaking sales performance in the first half of 2014, the Kia Soul has been named to the list of 10 Best Back-to-School Cars by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. All new for the 2014 model year, the Soul sold an individual nameplate record 74,999 units in the first half of 2014 and continues on pace for a record sales year. KBB.com editors praised the Soul for its affordability, practicality, style, features and personality.

"Since its launch in 2009, the Soul has appealed to a broad range of customers thanks to its unique blend of style, technology and value," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). "Now in its second generation, the iconic Soul remains true to its roots while improved refinement, features and amenities continue to exceed customer expectations for the segment."

As a new school year begins, the editors at KBB.com hand-picked 10 new vehicles for students, all of which have a starting MSRP below $20,000. The Soul urban passenger vehicle is second on the list with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $14,623. Fair Purchase Price shows what others have been paying for a new car recently and is updated weekly based on current market conditions, local demand and vehicle availability.

About the 2014 SoulInstantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh, the 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider than its predecessor. The Soul's new dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo room while NVH levels have been reduced dramatically. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion for students on the go, and inside there is a long list of standard comfort and convenience features including Bluetooth® wireless technology1 and steering wheel-mounted controls2.

About Kia Motors AmericaKia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and surpassed the 500,000 annual sales mark for the second consecutive year in 2013 following the launch of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K9003 flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia's U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.

* The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.1 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.2 Driving while distracted is dangerous and should be avoided. Drivers should remain attentive to driving and always exercise caution when using the steering-wheel-mounted controls while driving.3 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.